Chapter 143: The Duke of Ruin
The air grew heavier as they approached the stronghold.
The scent of ash and blood thickened, filling their lungs with the stench of death. The sky above the ruined castle was blackened with demonic energy, swirling like a living storm.
They had reached demon territory.
And at its heart—a Demon Duke awaited.
The Stronghold of Malakar
Kael stood at the edge of a jagged cliff, gazing down at the fortress below.
It was massive—a blackened citadel surrounded by crumbling walls, each one lined with lesser demons, armored behemoths, and monstrous war beasts.
In the center of it all, standing atop the highest battlement—was the Duke.
A towering figure clad in obsidian armor, his twin swords burned with dark flames.
His presence alone made the air feel like it was pressing down on them.
Kael's fingers tightened around his sword.
"This won't be easy."
As if sensing their presence, the Demon Duke turned his piercing crimson gaze toward them.
Then, he spoke.
"So… the little invaders have arrived."
His voice was like crushed stone, deep and laced with amusement.
Vasaria smirked. "Oh? He speaks."
The Demon Duke tilted his head. "A leech, an elf, and a pack of mongrels. How… disappointing."
Raithon's eyes flashed. "Say that again, filth."
The Demon Duke chuckled darkly. "Ah. The High Elf speaks." His gaze flicked over Raithon. "A half-baked swordsman, clinging to old magic. You reek of arrogance."
Raithon's mana flared.
Saria muttered, "This is going to be a problem."
Thalric adjusted his stance, scanning the battlefield. "We'll have to cut through the lesser demons first."
Kael nodded. "Then let's not waste time."
With a single motion—they charged.
Lesser demons swarmed from the stronghold, shrieking and clawing forward.
Kael activated his Arcane Chains, lashing out and binding three at once before crushing them into the ground.
Vasaria flashed between enemies, her daggers slicing through their throats like silk.
Saria weaved through the chaos, using shadow magic to disappear and reappear behind her enemies—cutting them down before they even realized.
Thalric engaged the greater demons, his greatsword carving through their thick hides, his body moving with terrifying precision.
And Raithon?
He went straight for the Demon General.
The Demon General was a monstrous, four-armed beast, wielding two jagged greatswords infused with abyssal mana.
Raithon didn't hesitate.
With a flick of his wrist, his blade ignited with pure golden fire.
"Bow before me, filth," he spat.
The Demon General roared, swinging both swords downward—but Raithon vanished in a blur of speed.
Reappearing behind his enemy, he struck.
A clean slash across the Demon General's spine.
But the beast did not fall.
Instead, it turned, grinning.
"You fight well, elf," it growled. "But you are still mortal."
Dark chains shot from its arms, aiming to bind Raithon—
But he countered with a burst of magic, shattering them instantly.
Then, he smirked.
"And you are still beneath me."
Their duel had begun.
Kael & Vasaria vs. The Demon Duke
The Demon Duke descended from the battlements, landing with enough force to crack the ground.
His twin swords burned with black fire, his presence suffocating.
Kael felt his instincts scream.
This one is different.
The Duke's lips curled.
"I have not had a true duel in centuries." His gaze locked onto Kael. "Shall we begin?"
Kael raised his sword, crimson runes glowing along the blade.
"Vasaria, stay back."
Vasaria snorted. "As if."
The Demon Duke smirked.
"Very well. Show me what you can do, mortals."
And then—he vanished.
Kael barely had time to react before the Duke's sword was at his throat.
He blocked—just in time—but the force sent him skidding backward.
Vasaria lunged from behind, daggers flashing—but the Duke twisted, parrying her strikes with impossible speed.
Kael gritted his teeth.
This wasn't just another demon.
And they had no choice—but to win.